Backhoe M62 questions

sven1277 · Sep 8, 2020

I am seriously considering purchasing this machine for my landscaping company. We currently have a 4 ton excavator, ss, mtl, and a couple smaller kubota tractors. I also have a kubota r630 but that is used in the mulch yard loading. The excavator is used daily in the field. The skid steers and tractors aren’t used as frequently. I am thinking of selling the wheeled ss and the smaller of the two kubota tractors and it’s attachments for the larger m62 machine. I have a few questions.

Does the backhoe has a quick changeover to switch from cat to jd controls? I know we can switch the hoses but still a pain. One of my main operators runs cat while the rest of use jd controls.

I will install a thumb. Are brands interchangeable or should I stick with a Kubota unit?

It will be used for plowing in the winter so the machine will need a cab. The Curtis cab looks very well made. I have a Curtis cab on an older b7610 and not hugely impressed with it, though it keeps the operator warm and dry in the winter. I also have a b3350 with a factory cab and am very happy with that.

Thanks in advance!

Peter 315 · Sep 8, 2020

I don't think you can switch back and forth from cat to jd with out changing the hyd lines unless you add a valve .....I just got the kubota thumb with mine... Curtis does make a very nice cab.....

4570Man · Sep 8, 2020

I’ve never heard the term cat vs JD controls. I’ve only seen excavator vs backhoe pattern. Second disclaimer is I’ve never even set in the seat of a M62 but I own a M59. The M59 is plumbed standard with backhoe controls. Switching hoses is the only option. It would work for a one time deal but not for swapping operators all the time. I’d stick with a Kubota thumb. I’ve never seen an aftermarket that I thought was as good. I’m not sure if it’s standard or not but definitely get a quick connect backhoe bucket. I’d like to have a tracked skid to work along side my M59 but I think you’ll be happy the M62 vs a wheeled skid steer. I also think you’ll be happy with the low ground destruction compared to a skid. Also the M59 loader is very capable compared to a tractor. I move full 68 sheet bundles of OSB and full pallets of quikrete with mine. I’ve got a 16” 24” and 36” bucket for the backhoe. I’ve got the 36” because it’s required to put in a septic but it’s about to much bucket for this machine. The 24” is by far my most used.

mikester · Sep 9, 2020

4570Man said:
I’ve never heard the term cat vs JD controls. I’ve only seen excavator vs backhoe pattern. Second disclaimer is I’ve never even set in the seat of a M62 but I own a M59. The M59 is plumbed standard with backhoe controls. Switching hoses is the only option. It would work for a one time deal but not for swapping operators all the time. I’d stick with a Kubota thumb. I’ve never seen an aftermarket that I thought was as good. I’m not sure if it’s standard or not but definitely get a quick connect backhoe bucket. I’d like to have a tracked skid to work along side my M59 but I think you’ll be happy the M62 vs a wheeled skid steer. I also think you’ll be happy with the low ground destruction compared to a skid. Also the M59 loader is very capable compared to a tractor. I move full 68 sheet bundles of OSB and full pallets of quikrete with mine. I’ve got a 16” 24” and 36” bucket for the backhoe. I’ve got the 36” because it’s required to put in a septic but it’s about to much bucket for this machine. The 24” is by far my most used.

+1

I put on the Laurin cab on my M59 and it throws plenty of heat for winter operation. You might want to consider an A/C unit depending on your summers, theres about a month a year I wish I added one. Shake-n-bake.

sven1277 · Sep 9, 2020

Was there a particular reason you chose a laurin cab?

4570Man · Sep 9, 2020

I’d look for a beefy ballast box like 2 tons for the M62 for plowing snow. You’ll definitely not want the backhoe sticking out in your way but my M59 is close to junk with that loss of ballast.